Abstract [en]

Introduction: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a global public health concern. The health sector response involves actions to detect and manage it through a multidisciplinary team basically in primary care where the victims consult more frequently. Therefore, health care professionals play a key role in strengthening this response with high quality health services based on updated knowledge, non-judgemental opinions, and comprehensive clinical practices. However, despite that IPV has been recognized and health systems have developed strategies to optimize its management, efforts have been insufficient. Spain has been no exception. Aim: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practice of health care professionals in regards to intimate partner violence in primary health care facilities in Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sampling by convenience was performed in 15 primary care facilities of 4 autonomous regions in Spain. Self-reported PREMIS questionnaire were administrated. Descriptive analysis and bi- and multivariate analysis were performed. Results: PREMIS were answered by 265 health care professionals, with an average response rate of 66.9%. Slightly previous IPV training was reported by professionals and limited reading of available protocols. Moderate knowledge about IPV and low self-confidence was expressed by professionals but a positive attitude reflected their disposition to teamwork. Availability of resources and referrals in the workplace and in the community was little known and used by them. Screening of IPV is not routinely assessed. Discussion: Proactive attitudes among health care professionals were reported despite of a limited self-confidence and moderate knowledge to detect and manage IPV. Strengthening knowledge about legal requirements, and resources available in the workplace and the community is required. IPV training and reading the regional/national protocol are related to better knowledge and practices. Perceived preparation, knowledge about IPV and self-efficacy directly influence the good practices of professionals. Conclusions: Primary health care’ response to intimate partner violence relies on the readiness of health care professionals to detect and manage IPV cases through sufficient knowledge, non-judgemental opinions, and quality-based practices. Then, reading the protocol and receive training demonstrated to be the most important interventions to improve their readiness.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages

2015. , p. 60

Series

Centre for Public Health Report Series, ISSN 1651-341X ; 2015:36

Keywords [en]

KAP model, Intimate partner violence, Primary healthcare, Spain

National Category

Public Health, Global Health, Social Medicine and Epidemiology

Identifiers

External cooperation

This study protocol has been funded through a COFAS grant (supported by COFUND action within the Marie Curie Action People, in the Seventh Framework programme and the Swedish Council for Working Life and Social Research/FAS-Forskningsradet för arbetsliv och socialvetenskap) through a competitive call.

Educational program

Master's Programme in Public Health

Presentation

2015-05-25, Umeå, 16:17 (English)

Supervisors

Goicolea, Isabel, Forskare

Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.

San Sebastian, Miguel, Professor

Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.

Examiners

Gustafsson, Per, Universitetslektor

Umeå University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Epidemiology and Global Health.